16 signature guitar effects pedals

All of the guitar-hero branded stompboxes we've reviewed

Ibanez Jemini Distortion

Guitarist: Steve Vai

From the Gibson Les Paul to Eddie Van Halen's Peavey 5150, guitar heroes have been slapping their names on customised equipment since the dawn of rock 'n' roll. Fortunately, it's resulted in some truly brilliant stompboxes. Here's a round-up of all the weird and wonderful signature effects pedals we've reviewed on MusicRadar, including signature gear from Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, John Petrucci, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.

Ibanez Jemini Distortion

Guitarist: Steve Vai

MusicRadar's verdict:

"If you’re a Vai fan, you’d be mad to miss out on one of these uniquely-finished, limited run pedals, all for a reasonable price."

DigiTech Brian May Red Special multi-fx

Guitarist: Brian May (Queen)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"For those of us who do revel in the guitar sounds of Brian May, the models here are absolutely the best available today. We’re told that Brian has been considering using a unit on stage and surely there’s no better recommendation than that."

MusicRadar's verdict:

MXR ZW90 Wylde Phase

Guitarist: Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, formerly Ozzy Osbourne)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"To use a culinary parallel, it's like adding oregano to a bolognese - it's subtle and not exactly vital, but a nice finishing touch to impress your dinner guests/bandmates. But there are an awful lot of other stompboxes on the menu…"

DigiTech Eric Clapton Crossroads multi-fx

Guitarist: Eric Clapton

MusicRadar's verdict:

"While the absence of the Bluesbreaker sound is disappointing, there's still enough great sounds on the Crossroads to justify the pedal's price tag. The acoustic guitar and rotating speaker simulations alone make it superb value for money."

MusicRadar's verdict:

Blackstar HT Blackfire distortion

Guitarist: Gus G (Firewind/Ozzy Osbourne)

MusicRadar's verdict:

"At £199, it's a pretty serious purchase, but with two channels of convincing valve tones, pro build quality, tonal flexibility via the ISF control, and that handy emulated output, this is a viable option for any rig that's in need of a sonic power-up."